**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.* A minimum of 2 adults is required to guarantee this departure.A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.

Explore Torres del Paine’s unique wildlife, led by photography & wildlife professional Diego Araya, whilst being supported by a special team of fauna trackers. Each day you will follow in the footsteps of Patagonia's most elusive animals, enjoying moments of intimacy with the enigmatic Andean puma (mountain lion) and endangered South Andean deer while discovering and photographing the park’s geology, spectacular sunrises and sunsets and native flora and fauna. Evenings are spent at the award winning EcoCamp Patagonia in its sustainable geodesic Suite Domes.

This trip does not demand extensive physical activity, other than walking a maximum of two consecutive hours over fairly flat terrain. We stop as many times as necessary depending on the rhythm of the group. Travellers wanting to do the more active excursions will find them more energetic and to enjoy these more active treks it is essential to be in shape before arriving. All trails visited in the programs are under 1,000m / 3,000ft high so passengers don’t need to worry about altitude.

Day 1 - Arrival Torres del Paine

Welcome to Patagonia! Today you will be met and transferred from Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales. Your flight will need to arrive before 09.30hrs. From the airport, you will be transferred to EcoCamp Patagonia, where a hearty lunch will be provided in our Community Domes. The first activity of your Patagonian adventure will then begin at midday with a leisurely tour of the National Park, giving you plenty of opportunity to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon. (L,D)

Day 2-5 - Wildlife Exploration

To make the most of the spectacular sunrises, you will start off each day early, heading out to the best locations to capture some great photos. Enjoy tea, coffee and breakfast served on the go, while the wildlife tracking team get to work. In radio contact throughout the trip they will be letting you know the location of the park’s most elusive animals including the Andean puma (mountain lion) and the endangered huemul (South Andean deer) so that you can head to the sites where they are as soon as they’re spotted.

You will usually begin your wildlife exploration in the park’s eastern sector, close to EcoCamp, to take full advantage of the most beautiful morning light and animal activity. Enjoy around six hours of wildlife observation, studying and photographing the park’s native flora & fauna under the expert guidance of Diego Araya, before heading back to EcoCamp for lunch and relaxation time.

Venture out again in the afternoon, exploring the beautiful landscapes, flora & fauna of the park’s western sector. Witness striking natural beauty, including Grey Glacier. Diego will guide you through the different habitats and ecosystems in the area, introducing you to the unique and colourful wildlife and teaching you the methodology of the responsible observation of wildlife in Torres del Paine. After photographing the iconic Patagonian sunset over the Paine massif, return to EcoCamp for dinner and a well earned rest. (B,L,D)

N.B. In the event of bad weather, alternative activities will be planned, for example a visit to the scenic waterfall Paine Grande or Laguna Azul.

Day 6 - Departure

Your last day will begin with an early, hearty breakfast enjoyed with your fellow wildlife lovers at EcoCamps Community Domes. From there, you will embark on a short day of activities before regrouping at EcoCamp for a well-deserved lunch. You will then be taken to Punta Arenas airport, where you will arrive late in the evening. (B,L) (Depending on travel conditions, we advise you to make sleeping arrangements for your final day in Punta Arenas which we can organise for you.)

What you need to bring Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. Essential equipment includes a small one day backpack (to carry camera, glasses, rain coat, etc), trekking or hiking boots, extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet, waterproof jacket, two pairs of woolen socks, fleece jacket or sweater, shorts or comfortable loose pants and sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm and screen). Optional thermal/capilene underwear for the upper and lower body. Cash (in USD) for buying extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine NP.

Weather The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. In addition, the strong marine influence and the affect of the Southern Patagonia Ice field make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130km/hr) and rainfall. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min). However, just as quickly as the weather turns nasty, it can become lovely and sunny. So come prepared for all types of weather!

**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.* A minimum of 2 adults is required to guarantee this departure.A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.